Mosque of Koutoubia

First built in 1147, but demolished since it was not correctly aligned with Mecca, the "mosque of the booksellers", was finished in its present shape in 1199. It has ever since been the landmark of Marrakech, rising up from the low houses and markets around.

Its style is a Almohad, but has a good deal of simple Andalucian elements added to it. The minaret rises 77 metres above the ground, while the mosque is sizeable by itself. While it has a strict appearance in red stone today, it is believed that it originallywas covered with plaster. There have been plans of renovating the Koutoubia into this style.